So Close! Mickelson Shoots 60, Nearly Breaks PGA Record

On his 18th hole at the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Phil Mickelson’s 25-foot putt for birdie to shoot a 59 lipped out. Had the putt gone in, Mickelson would have tied the PGA record for the lowest round ever in a golf tournament.

“You don’t get chances to shoot a 59 very often,” Mickelson said, saying he was mortified the putt did not go in the hole. “It looked like it was right in the middle.”

He did say, though, that he was still “ecstatic” to shoot a round of 60. Mickelson could have even made history. His birdie putt on his 17th hole (the 8th hole on the course) also barely came up short. He was literally inches from shooting a 58, which would have been a new record.

Instead, Mickelson settled for an 11-under round of 60, which was a personal best. It also tied TPC Scottsdale’s course record. Mickelson had 11 birdies on the day.

Mickelson flew in “swing doctor” Butch Harmon, who had once coached Tiger Woods, on Wednesday to TPC Scottsdale for an emergency session.

Harmon told the Golf Channel he wanted to work on Mickelson’s “posture” and “confidence.”